Montpelier's Digital Doorway

Montpelier's Digital Doorway

Montpelier's Digital Doorway

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  • About
    • Archaeology & Landscape Restoration
    • Architecture & Historic Preservation
    • Curatorial & Collections
    • Education & Visitor Engagement
    • Research
  • Digging Deeper Blog
  • Projects
  • Stakeholders
  • Visit!

Digging Deeper

Behind the Scenes at James Madison's Montpelier

The Naming Project: Milly

The Naming Project: Milly

May 21, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

Milly, sometimes called “Granny Milly,” was 104 years old when she met General Lafayette at Montpelier in 1825. She lived in a cabin with her daughter and 70-year-old granddaughter.

The Naming Project: Clarissa

The Naming Project: Clarissa

May 14, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

Clarissa’s name appears on James Madison Sr.’s tax records in the 1780s. She may be the same woman as Clarisea, who was listed on Ambrose Madison’s 1732 inventory.

The Naming Project: Gabriel

The Naming Project: Gabriel

May 11, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

Gabriel was in his 50s when Dolley Madison gave him to her son John Payne Todd in 1844. Todd tried to free Gabriel in his will, but due to estate debts, this likely never happened.

The Naming Project: Daphne

The Naming Project: Daphne

April 30, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

Daphne was enslaved by James Madison Sr. in the 1780s. Her son Shadrach and daughter Anna were inherited by Madison Sr.’s son-in-law, Isaac Hite, in 1801.

The Naming Project: Aleck (Ellick)

The Naming Project: Aleck (Ellick)

April 29, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch 2 Comments

Aleck drove James Madison’s wagon to Fredericksburg and Richmond in the 1820s and 30s, delivering tobacco and wheat to merchants, and returning with goods for the Madisons.

The Naming Project: Silvey (Sylvia)

The Naming Project: Silvey (Sylvia)

April 8, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

Silvey was sold with her children Fanny, Abraham, Frank, Elizabeth, and William to Montpelier’s new owner, Henry Moncure, for $1000. Silvey died in childbirth on April 18, 1847.

The Naming Project: Elijah

The Naming Project: Elijah

March 25, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

Elijah was enslaved by Dolley Madison’s uncle, who leased Elijah to James Madison in 1818 and 1819. Madison asked for a reduced rate due to “the lameness of Elijah.”

The Naming Project: John Freeman

The Naming Project: John Freeman

March 23, 2021By Hilarie M. HicksResearch No Comments

John Freeman waited table at the White House and was sold by Jefferson to Madison, with the stipulation that he be freed in 1815. He remained in Washington as a free man.

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